2 Samuel 19:32-42

32 Now Barzillai was very old, being eighty years old; and he had 1sustained the king while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very great man.
33 The king said to Barzillai, "You cross over with me and I will sustain you in Jerusalem with me."
34 But Barzillai said to the king, "2How long have I yet to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
35 "I am now 3eighty years old. Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear anymore 4the voice of singing men and women? 5Why then should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?
36 "Your servant would merely cross over the Jordan with the king. Why should the king compensate me with this reward?
37 "Please let your servant return, that I may die in my own city near the grave of my father and my mother. However, here is your servant 6Chimham, let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight."
38 The king answered, "Chimham shall cross over with me, and I will do for him what is good in your sight; and whatever * you require of me, I will do for you."
39 All the people crossed over the Jordan and the king crossed too. The king then 7kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his place.
40 Now the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him; and all the people of Judah and also 8half the people of Israel accompanied the king.
41 And behold, all the men of Israel came to the king and said to the king, "9Why had our brothers 10the men of Judah stolen you away, and brought the king and his household and all David's men with him over the Jordan?"
42 Then all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, "Because 11the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we eaten at all at the king's expense, or has anything been taken for us?"

2 Samuel 19:32-42 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 19

David indulging to too much grief for the death of his son, is rebuked by Joab, and threatened with a revolt of the people from him, if he did not change his conduct, which be accordingly did, 2Sa 19:1-8; upon which the men of Israel were the first that moved for the bringing him back to Jerusalem, and the men of Judah were solicited to join with them in it, which was effected, 2Sa 19:9-15; and at Jordan, Shimei, that had cursed him, met him, and asked his pardon, and was forgiven, 2Sa 19:16-23; and when come to Jerusalem, Mephibosheth excused so well his not going out with him, that he had half his land restored to him, which had been given to his servant, 2Sa 19:24-30; and Barzillai, who had very liberally supplied the king, was allowed to return to his own city, and Chimham his son was taken to court, 2Sa 19:31-40; and a contention arose between the men of Israel and of Judah about the restoration of the king, which issued in an insurrection, as the next chapter shows, 2Sa 19:41-43.

Cross References 11

  • 1. 2 Samuel 17:27-29
  • 2. Genesis 47:8
  • 3. Psalms 90:10
  • 4. Ecclesiastes 2:8; Isaiah 5:11, 12
  • 5. 2 Samuel 15:33
  • 6. 2 Samuel 19:40; 1 Kings 2:7; Jeremiah 41:17
  • 7. Genesis 31:55; Ruth 1:14; 2 Samuel 14:33
  • 8. 2 Samuel 19:9, 10
  • 9. Judges 8:1; Judges 12:1
  • 10. 2 Samuel 19:11, 12
  • 11. 2 Samuel 19:12

Footnotes 9

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